AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
Question Can you tell me if the Catapres-TTS-1 transdermal patch is the dosage equivalent to taking one 0.1 mg clonadine tablet once a day, or does the patch deliver more? I was told by a member of my doctor's staff that the patch delivered the equivalent on three 0.1 tablets daily, but according to what I read on the box("programmed delivery in vivo of 0.1 mg clonidine per day for one week"), it seems clear it is the equivalent of one tablet, not three, but I am not sure I am interpreting this correctly. Can you please advise? Thank you!
Answer The Catapres TTS patches deliver the equivalent of 0.1mg of clonidine per day for 1 week. Clonidine tablets must be taken more frequently due to how they are absorbed into the blood stream and metabolized. If a patient was switched from oral clonidine to patches they would usually be switched from the same oral dose to the same patch dose. Occasionally patients will require adjustments, but this should be the starting paramaters and most patients will stay at this dose.
